Introduction: A Flavorful Stir-Fry in Minutes
Looking for a speedy and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner? This Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken is your answer! Don’t let the vibrant flavors and aromatic spices fool you – this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s a delightful explosion of tastes, combining the bright, zesty notes of lemongrass with a touch of fiery chili, all encased in tender, juicy chicken. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; it’s a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Southeast Asian cuisine without needing a fully stocked pantry or hours spent meticulously preparing ingredients. It’s a truly accessible and rewarding meal that’s guaranteed to impress. The core of the flavour comes from the use of Lazy Lemongrass paste – these ready-made pastes are a real time-saver, and the ‘Lazy Garlic Paste’ (https://www.eatcookexplore.com/products/lazy-garlic-paste/) adds another layer of incredible flavour. This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a journey for your taste buds, and the best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference. A little extra chili paste or a pinch of chilli flakes can turn this dish into a serious heatwave, while you can tone it down completely for a milder experience. The resulting dish offers a wonderful balance of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy – a classic profile that’s almost universally loved. The key to getting that authentic flavour is using fresh ingredients, especially the lemongrass – the more fragrant, the better. The vibrant colour and enticing aroma alone are enough to make you want to dive straight in. And because we’re talking about a weeknight dinner, this recipe leverages convenient products like the Lazy flavour range to simplify the entire cooking process, taking the pressure off and allowing you to focus on enjoying a delicious and authentic Vietnamese meal. So, let’s get cooking and experience the magic of Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken!
Ingredients: Everything You’ll Need for This Delicious Recipe
To create this vibrant and intensely flavorful Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that combine to deliver a truly authentic taste. Let’s break down everything you’ll require – preparing for a delightful weeknight meal.
First, the star of the show is the chicken. We’re using 500g of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are preferred for their richness and ability to hold up well in a stir-fry, but chicken breast can be substituted if desired. You’ll also need approximately 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed rapeseed oil – this adds a beautiful subtle flavor and helps with the cooking process, ensuring a fantastic sear. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount; it’s key to a fantastic stir-fry.
Now, let’s talk about the lemongrass – the heart and soul of this dish. We’ll utilize 2 tablespoons of Lazy Lemongrass Paste for convenience, but if you prefer a more traditional approach, you can finely chop 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass. Ensure you remove the tough outer layers and tenderize the inner core before chopping. The aroma of fresh lemongrass is incredibly potent, so be mindful of your workspace. The Lazy Garlic Paste adds another layer of fragrant depth, about 2 teaspoons worth.
Next, we need the aromatics for building the complex flavor profile. We’ll incorporate 1 small red onion, sliced thinly – this adds sweetness and softens beautifully during cooking. Alongside this, 4 tablespoons of Chinese cooking wine are essential for deglazing the wok and infusing the dish with a savory note. You’ll also require 100ml of chicken stock, adding moisture and enhancing the overall taste. A generous splash of fish sauce is crucial for that distinctive salty-umami flavor central to Vietnamese cuisine.
To balance the heat and richness, we’ll include 1 tablespoon of sugar, and for a touch of luxury, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Finally, for a small pinch, a teaspoon of white pepper is incorporated for a subtle heat and added complexity. Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. With these key components, you’re well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken dish.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Lemongrass Chicken
Let’s get cooking! This Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make, perfect for a busy weeknight. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. First, we’ll start with preparing the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs – 500g of skinless, boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces – with 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil , 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Now, let’s move onto the wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil in a smoking hot wok or large skillet. Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry over high heat for approximately 3 minutes, constantly tossing to ensure even cooking. The chicken should turn opaque and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Next, we’ll build the flavorful sauce. In the same wok – making sure there’s no burning – add another 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil. Introduce the key aromatics: 2 tablespoons of Lazy Lemongrass paste – or 2 stalks of finely chopped lemongrass if you’re using fresh – sliced 1 small red onion thinly, and 2 teaspoons of Lazy garlic paste. Cook over high heat, stirring continuously, for around 2 minutes. The key here is to allow the aromatics to really develop their fragrance – this is what gives the dish its distinctive Vietnamese flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Once the aromatics are fragrant, pour in the rice wine – about 2 tablespoons – and continue to cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently. The alcohol will evaporate, concentrating the flavors. Now, it’s time to build the sauce. Add the chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of Lazy chili paste or chili flakes to your preference, and the cooked chicken back into the wok. Stir everything together well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary – perhaps a little more sugar or chili paste depending on your preference.
Finally, serve the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or scallions, for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this authentically delicious Vietnamese dish!
Notes & Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Vietnamese Meal
To truly elevate your Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken, consider adding some vibrant and complementary sides. A simple steamed jasmine rice (jasmine rice) is the perfect foundation, soaking up all the flavorful sauce. However, let’s delve deeper into enhancing this meal.
Alongside rice, a refreshing Vietnamese salad – perhaps a cucumber salad – provides a fantastic textural and flavour contrast. The cool, crisp cucumbers, combined with a light vinaigrette, offers a welcome counterpoint to the spicy, rich chicken. You could also include shredded carrots or sliced radishes for added crunch and nutrients.
For a deeper dive into Vietnamese cuisine, consider adding some green vegetables, perhaps sauteed bok choy (bok choy) or steamed broccoli, broccoli. These provide essential vitamins and minerals, while their slightly bitter flavour balances the sweetness of the dish. Adding a squeeze of lime juice over the cooked vegetables brightens their taste and adds a zesty aroma.
Don’t forget a little heat! A small bowl of sriracha or chili oil (chili oil) can be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra kick. You can also serve with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil (Thai basil) for a fragrant finishing touch.
Finally, a glass of iced Vietnamese coffee – cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee) – is the perfect beverage to complete this flavorful Vietnamese experience. It’s sweet, strong, and wonderfully refreshing after a spicy meal. Remember to adjust the level of spice to your preference, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes to create your perfect Vietnamese dinner. Adding some toasted peanuts (peanuts) would also provide a lovely textural element.
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
